Disappointed by Delay (Zechariah and Elizabeth)

Day 72: Luke 1:1-25

“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child…” - Luke 1:6-7 ESV

King Solomon said it like this: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)

Delay is something that is almost always followed by disappointment. When things move slowly, we can also feel forgotten. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous, holding meticulously to the 613 commandments found in Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy). Though not perfect, they stood out among a fraudulent generation of religious leaders (which we will see as we progress through Luke). Yet, the one thing they had prayed for over and over was not being answered. It had to do with their physical legacy. There would be no child to carry on their legacy of faith and devotion to Yahweh. This was everything to the Jewish people.

Leon Morris gives us a new angle on this as he writes, "The mention of their age is probably to make it clear that they could expect no change in the situation. Zechariah may have been very old, for there was no retiring age for priests (as there was for Levites)."

They had sung, yet not experienced, the following song their whole lives: "So the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children." - Psalm 78:6 NLT

What is the first thing Gabriel says to Zechariah? "Do not be afraid...for your prayer has been heard." Of course, God had heard their prayers each and every time, but now the answer had come.

Have you been disappointed by a delay from God? Do you feel like God isn't listening to your prayers? You are in the company of the righteous like Zechariah and Elizabeth.

What would they say to you today if they could? Maybe something like this: "I know you want to quit, and you feel like God has forgotten you, but keep on praying. Don't be afraid. There is so much we don't understand, but God knows what he is doing."

Closing with a quote from the Apostle Paul seems to be on point here: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 ESV